Customer Reviews

Music for Speeding

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As weird as it might seem, but before this album I've only listened to Marty's fantastic guitar on Megadeth records, being that band's long time fan. This is my first acquaintance with Friedman's solo works. The only thing I can say is "Excellent!".

It took some time to grow on me, but in the end I'm glad I didn't pass by this CD in a record store. Marty takes stagnating genre of virtuoso guitar instrumentals and breathes new life into it by incorporating various new elements. And he proves to be a very good composer and arranger, too. Some say that he has improved dramatically since his previous works, a statement I cannot yet confirm. But the composition skills shown on "Music for Speeding" are non less than excellent.

- "Gimme a Dose" is a frantic shred-fest based on a groovy thrashing rhythm-section. Perfect choice for an album starter, as it sets the mood for the rest of the album.
- "Fuel Injection Stingray" continues in the same way, only that Marty plays soaring melodic lines instead of ripping solos of the 1st track. These two tracks sound very similar to what Megadeth played on their landmark "Rust in Peace". This song also brings in some fast pulsing synth lines in the background, thus giving a hint that we're in for some novelty with this CD.
- "Ripped" rises the tempo even higher. This energetic instrumental is the real music for speeding. Sports cars enthusiasts are going to love it. It has a peculiar electronic section in the middle, where the rhythm section plays what sounds as almost trip-hop. But it quickly gives way to more shredding, which in term changes with some tender melodic licks played over tight metal rhythm, followed by another impressive fast solo. Perfect! Just perfect!
- "It's the Unreal Thing" is another novelty. Mid-tempo thrashing riff is mixed with industrial synthesizer. This music sounds very modern and urbanistic. Marty's soaring guitar, muted somewhat by the powerful riffs, plays some catchy melodic lines.
- "Cheer Girl Rampage" is yet one more strong number. It's core is fast rhythm that sounds like 19th century cabaret dance played at hyper-speed. Again, synths play a big part in creating the character of this track. It's later half is anthemic guitar played over the same funny riff. This track is going to be stuck in your head for days.
- "Lust for Life" gives a much needed break. It's a slow mellow number with obvious 70s rock influences over melodic guitar. It has a piano and a synth string orchestra parts.
- "Lovesorrow" continues in the same vein, only that it has a big acoustic part, a flamenco guitar, and an overall Spanish feel. Some synth orchestration adds to the sonic picture. Some say it has a Steve Vai influence, but again, I cannot comment on this.
- "Nastymachine" brings in some techno rhythm which is blended with solo guitar perfectly. Again, this is a new approach at instrumental guitar music. There's some impressive bass guitar parts, and Marty's guitar goes wild. Towards the end some acoutic string instrument kicks in, that has some oriental (Japanese?) flavor.
- "Catfight" starts with sampled female voice in Japanese. The core riff is very heavy and thrashy. It also has some electronic instruments. Again, this track won't be out of place on Megadeth's "Rust in Peace".
- "Corazon de Santiago" is an instrumental ballad to relax to. Very emotional performance from Marty.
- "0-7-2" is a short classical interlude performed on the guitar, the piano and what sounds like clavichord (really a synth again).
- "Salt in the Wound" returns the listener back to thrashing riffs and aggressive guitar solos. This is the most heavy track on the album.
- "Novocaine Kiss" ends the album on a relaxing mellow note. Again, a good ballad, though it sounds like a typical guitar instrumental.

It's obvious that if you don't like instrumental guitar albums, this one won't change your mind either. But if that is not the case, then you might want to try "Music for Speeding" to see how Marty Friedman manages to stay up tp date in the genre where, it seems, everything has already been played.

Marty kicks into high gear right off the bat with "Gimmie a Dose," led by a trippy metal riff and fueled by some fiery guitar runs. The speedometer continues to climb on "Fuel Injection Stingray." This track puts you behind the wheel of a bad-ass muscle car. With the added effects you can feel the engine start up then begin to rev, and once the guitar kicks in, you're gone. Friedman shows that he can mix up his sound a bit when he goes industrial on "It's the Unreal Thing," a song that sounds like the next big hit for Nine Inch Nails or Rob Zombie. Now here's where the road gets a little tricky, as Marty starts to combine his new found love for techno music. "Cheer Girl Rampage" has an accelerated dance beat mixed with rapid-fire hard rock guitar. I would liken it to a 1980's video game where time is running out. "Nasty Machine" has much of the electronica sound in it, but it builds slowly to a heavy metal thrasher. Friedman knows how to kick back and set things on cruise control too. "Lust for Life" has a beautiful piano/guitar duet that would make a nice back beat to a metal power ballad, and "Lovesorrow" has some eloquent guitar melodies similar to Steve Vai's ballad work (incidentally Marty is on Steve's label and the track is #7. Vai fans will know the significance). Now it's a race to the finish on "Salt in the Wound" and Friedman lays the theme to an epic showdown.

Bottom Line:
Zero to sixty in three seconds. Marty shifts into high metal gear and never lets up. Some instrumental CDs become boring after a while, not Music For Speeding. It's got a nice blend of heavy stuff, melodic ballads, and experimental sounds. I will admit that the techno aspects take a little getting used to, but there are only a few tracks that have it, and there's plenty of rock mixed in with it. Marty proves that he's a unique guitar talent and more than just a metal shredder.

This album is almost AS LOUD AS his previous solo albums: "Dragon's Kiss" & "True Obsessions", but with a very high quality recording! If you love Megadeth's recent recording quality, then you will love this one! The music is also SO FRESH & MODERN!

If you're:
1. A Megadeth (thrash metal) fans... you will love "Salt In The Wound", "Cat Fight", "Full Injection Stingray" (Racing Car music) & "Gimme A Dose".
2. A Cacophony/Jason Becker (fast/insane shred) fans... you will love: "0-7-2" (classical, arpeggio things) & "Ripped".
3. If you love Marty's romantic/beautiful music (like Scenes or Introduction album), then you should love: "Love Sorrow", "Lust For Life", "Novacaine Kiss" & "Corazon De Santiago" (bluesy track).

You will find Marty's NEW MUSIC on these tracks: "Cheer Rampage Girl", "It's The Unrealthing" & "Nasty Machine". Others said that Marty did not make ANY new music, that's NOT TRUE! :(

In my opinion, "Love Sorrow" is the best instrumental that Marty ever wrote! Very thematic! It's even better than "Thunder March" or "Arrival"!

If you buy it's Japanese Version, it has 2 cool bonus tracks: "Transistor" and "Thais"!

Marty made this album for almost 7 years!!! I found so many improvement in his musicality! "Music For Speeding" is his BEST SOLO ALBUM ever! You won't believe it until you buy it! SO BUY IT NOW! :)

When Marty Friedman left Megadeth, it was always thought to be that the reason he left the fastest contemoprary thrash metal of this time was that he had wanted to experiment with classic melodies. This album completely blows that idea away. Marty, not only, lets lose, he brings life to a dying genre. His guitars are crisp, inexplicably fast and just puts everyone eating his dust by the end.

Compared to his old albums where he is more attuned to classic tunes and guitars, Marty makes this album his fastest since his first solo album and his work with Megadeth. He still holds the record of being the most melodic guitarist, that can shift from one form to the other. When he has his way, he can take you on an adventure with catchy speeds.

Now that Megadeth has been out of commission for some time, Marty Friedman has the last laugh by sticking to his roots and yet explores with new out takes.

Recommended.

Great instrumental guitar album by Marty Firedman. I have always been a fan of him, he is truly an amazing guitar player. Although you won't find much new things on here it is still Marty and it still rocks. This album shows that great guitar players still do walk this earth. If you like Friedman I am sure you will like this. Buy It!

The item got here a lot quicker than I ever expected. No problems at all. Very happy with the transaction.

"Music for Speeding" is an instrumental album by the American guitarist Marty Friedman. It was produced by Marty in 2003, and he wrote all the songs. It continues the exploration of progressive rock and Japanese pop music Marty started experimenting with on previous releases. Zero to sixty in three seconds. Marty shifts into high metal gear and never lets up. This album is a great introduction to Marty Friedman, as it successfully displays his influences and is much more rock based than some of his other work, but still clearly shows his soloing style from the 90s. Marty proves once again that he's a unique guitar talent and more than just a metal shredder.

MUSIC FOR SPEEDING is a Great Album from Marty Friedman ! Melodic songs, great guitar playing ! Download this Album as well as ROB JOHNSON " SHREDWORX " & BRUCE BOUILLET " INTERVENTIONS " ...Both great guitar albums as well , Find them here on Amazon MP3

This album consist of thirteen tracks of instrumental rock music with a variety of variations bubbling away throughout. Friedmans 2003 release sees the man on somewhat of a creative high, the entire album seemingly bubbling with energy and sprightly joy at life and music. It's a lovely feeling for an album to exude and this release does Martys palette justice by showing his range of playing, from somewhat Latin melodies through to a few passages where some real crunch intrudes - but tastefully.

One neat aspect of this album is that the booklet comes with liner notes where our man gives a brief account of the inspiration behind a track or some other snippet of info in relation to it which gives the attentive listener and/or connoisseur something extra to sink their teeth into. Or you can drop the intellectual muso pose and just crank the thing while washing your car - and how many instrumental albums can you say that about?

Production is of course smooth and crystal clear but it isn't dogged by the same sort of prissy Teflon coated issues that, say, a Malmsteen album of the same era would be blighted with.

A very good instrumental electric guitar album by an artist who - at this point of his career - seemed very happy to make the music he wanted to make. And the spirit of this album bares that out.

After all the years listening to Marty in Megadeth and in his solo works (scenes & introduction) i found out about this album and got it. I was expecting something similar to scenes (album whhich i love) but in thi album e is rocking hard and with the same level of inspiration from his previuos works. This album is a very solid rock guitar album.... if u like marty this is it!!!